“You don’t have to tell them the whole truth about your unhealthy lifestyle,” he told me. He was a young man in his thirties called Kofi Mensah (not his real name).
We had just met in a queue going to see a dietitian. I looked at him, surprised by his stance on an issue as important as his health.
“If you tell the truth, they’ll see you as a reckless person,” he said. “I don’t want anyone judging me. I’ll just tell them what they want to hear.” He claimed he didn’t smoke, didn’t drink, exercised often, and ate well. He spoke proudly, but I wasn’t convinced.
I advised him that the tests would likely reveal the truth. “The various tests they run will probably contradict what you told them,” I said. “And if that happens, they won’t be able to give you the necessary advice.”
Mr. Mensah wasn’t ready to listen. Instead, he tried to convince me to follow his approach. “I do it all the time, and they commend me for being responsible,” he said. He smiled, claiming he could even confuse the medical personnel about the accuracy of their equipment.
As I waited for my turn, I reflected on my own poor eating habits. I hadn’t been consistent about exercising daily and hadn’t maintained a healthy weight. I felt guilty about it. Mr. Mensah’s advice almost swayed me, but I decided to tell the dietitian the truth.
When I sat down, the warm reception of the medical personnel made me feel welcome. I was honest about all my answers, and this gave her the opportunity to provide me with the right guidance. I followed her advice and have seen an improvement in my health and lifestyle.
She didn’t judge me. Instead, she offered advice on adopting a heart-healthy lifestyle to make me more productive at home and work. She recommended parking my vehicle sometimes and walking short distances, as well as going for regular checks.
The St. Cecilia Singing Band, part of my church, had organized a health screening and talk for church members and that was where I went for my health check. The event was part of an anniversary celebration of the group, aimed at improving the lives of its members and the church as a whole. We checked our blood pressure, sugar levels, and other vital signs, and asked questions to get the right medical advice.
Alfred Sackey, a registered dietitian, spoke extensively about hypertension and diabetes. He emphasised eating a balanced diet rich in vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and lean proteins. He also recommended regular exercise, at least 30 minutes a day, to maintain a healthy weight and prevent hypertension.
Mr. Sackey discouraged withholding information or providing inaccurate information to medical personnel. “It doesn’t help and can complicate matters,” he said health personnel do not judge. “We are here to help you, and so you must help us to help you.”
He warned against smoking, excessive drinking, skipping medication, and not adhering to prescribed dosages.
The registered dietitian encouraged parishioners to prioritise rest and reduce stress. He emphasised seeking knowledge on diabetes and hypertension and listening to educational talks from qualified health personnel, as this was key in empowering them to make the right decisions.
“Take your health seriously at all times, and that could even save you money and help you to spend more time with your family,” he said.
The chaplain of the St. Cecilia Singing Band said the health screening and education aimed to empower parishioners with the knowledge they needed to manage their health effectively. He encouraged other religious groups to follow their example, promoting a healthier community with access to accurate information, and also appealed to the parishioners to make the best of such events.” Note that a healthy physical life is just as important as one’s spiritual life, and so health must be taken seriously,” he said.
As I drove home, I was determined to stop taking fizzy drinks and also encourage my children to do the same.
I advise you to prioritise your health by challenging yourself to be physically active and eat healthily. This, among others, can help prevent diabetes and hypertension, which are silent killers.
